Psychiatrist, former Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil's remarks on 'ADHD medication and drug addiction theory, baseless and erroneous claim'
A psychiatrist expressed strong concern over former Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil's comments linking ADHD treatment medication to drug addiction.
On the 28th, a video titled 'Answering the nonsense that drug addiction starts with ADHD medication' was posted on the YouTube channel 'Psychiatrist Brain Guys.' In the broadcast, psychiatrist Kim Ji-yong noted, "Recently, a prominent politician has been discussing ADHD medication in a way that leads to misunderstandings, presenting incorrect facts as truth, which is influencing many people. Therefore, I want to correct the misinformation."
Dr. Kim Ji-yong said, "(In interviews) there is a notion that parents suggest ADHD medication to their children due to grades. I agree with this. However, this medication contains narcotic components, which can lead to addiction and abuse over time. This is an unfounded and erroneous statement," he opened up, mentioning composer Don Spike by saying, "When I asked him how he started using drugs, he said he became addicted to ADHD medication and ended up using methamphetamine. This is how parents are suggesting ADHD medication and drugs to their children."
He continued, "This is an unfounded erroneous statement. It is important to correct it because it goes beyond merely being unfounded; it is wrong. I am not trying to attack that individual, but as a psychiatrist, I am saying this because the statements of public figures or influential people can have serious impacts on patients, and I want to correct this."
Dr. Kim expressed, "If ADHD medication is taken as prescribed for medical purposes, the likelihood of leading to drug addiction is very low. In fact, it is even lower than real cases. However, due to these unfounded claims, people currently receiving treatment may refuse or worry about treatment, or avoid it due to stigma. Parents may become anxious, missing the critical period when their child needs treatment, which can actually occur."
Dr. Kim went on to explain the mechanism of action of ADHD medications, saying, "Stimulant-based ADHD medications increase dopamine. They can stimulate brain circuits similarly to drugs. However, the key difference is that these are very tightly formulated, where the drug seeps out due to osmotic pressure, acting for an extended period throughout the day. Dopamine levels do not spike dramatically. In contrast, drugs are rapidly absorbed, causing a strong release of dopamine leading to addiction. If taken as prescribed, there is no risk of addiction. However, if the medications are misused, such as being crushed and inhaled through the nose, they can be used as a substitute for drugs, leading to addiction."
Additionally, he explained, "ADHD medications are not drugs; however, they are legally classified as psychotropic drugs, which means they are managed under drug laws. They are strictly controlled, and it is incorrect to label them as drugs. If used as prescribed, they are not dangerous. This is not my personal opinion but the result of numerous research studies."
Earlier, former Governor Nam appeared on MBC's 'News Today' on the 16th and pointed out the increase of drug use among Korea's youth, claiming, "There are cases where academy teachers suggest ADHD medication for grades."
Furthermore, he mentioned composer Don Spike, recently released after serving a prison sentence for drug charges, saying, "When I asked him how he started using drugs, he said he became addicted to ADHD medication and ultimately ended up using methamphetamine. However, parents these days are recommending that medication to their children," stirring controversy.
Meanwhile, Don Spike was convicted of habitual drug use in 2022 and was sentenced to two years in prison, being released in February this year.
[Photo] OSEN DB, YouTube video capture
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